Yep,
That's ME! I am just starting to get the one week jitters. I just got the official final email before race day and my heart started to thump as I began to read it. Even though I have worked my butt off, Even though I have wanted this my WHOLE life, Even though I am determined to do this, I still can't help but feel a little nervous.
I must admit, after my last and longest run of the training, I was humbled. There were a few silly and disastrous events leading up to my tough run- that I very much could have avoided.... And just in case you ever decide to run a marathon I will fill you in on the
Rachael's Top List of 20 mile training no-no's. 1. Don't plan a long run the day after your husband (who also thinks he is your personal
trainer) has you do 1 1/2 hours of intense leg training.... i.e. squats, walking lunges, leg
presses etc.
If you do this... you will end up hardly able to walk up the stairs let alone dream of going
for a 20 mile run...
POSTPONED 5 days....2. DON'T completely forget about babysitting for your dog's
veterinarian's twin daughters
while she has to go to a physical therapy appointment....
AND, then when you get the phone call from the Doctor asking where you are, don't Freak
out- run out of the house wearing a "HI LOSER" tee shirt-- Panicking, you end up getting
lost on your way there- making the Doctor even more frustrated and Late for her
appointment
3. Now that you are feeling sick to your stomach because you screwed up this nice Doctor's
day off from work and you refuse to get paid because of how terribly you
inconvenienced her (EVEN though you REALLY needed that money)- Don't continue to let it weigh heavy
on your heart....
4. Since you ran out of the house leaving your bowl of oatmeal sitting at your desk- you are
obviously hungry and needing fuel before the big run- The soggy oatmeal doesn't look
appetizing. DON'T choose 3 day old Tofu and Rice as a substitute... and DON'T shovel it in
your mouth without breathing because you are going to be late for your 1:00 start time.
5. Once you get to your start point.... make sure that you have tried out your water belt before
you begin- otherwise you may realize that it doesn't fit- You will spend the first 5 miles of your run figuring out the best way to situate the flopping, sloshing water belt on your hips as you trot along.
6. DON'T pick the most desolate route you possibly can- without any cell reception,
bathroom stops, or water fountains to refill the much needed water.... because you will
inevitably need to sneak onto a stranger's front lawn in the middle of no where to tap into there
precious water supply via the hose attached to their house. DO pray that they didn't have
security cameras.. or else you will most likely be the topic of their dinner time
conversation.
7. Don't forget to charge your
ipod so that you don't run out of music at mile 6. Only 14 more
miles to go!!! Familiarize yourself with the sounds of the birds chirping...
8. Don't forget to wear SUNSCREEN!
9. Don't start thinking about missing the babysitting appointment again at mile 14 and begin
to feel sick again because of your awful mistake.
10. RUN YOUR HEART OUT!
7:00 a.m. And, They're OFF!!!
7:00 a.m. And, They're OFF!!!
VICTORY SMOOCH!!!!!!!
VICTORY SMOOCH!!!!!!!
